Friday, December 9, 2011

Even though I'm nowhere near ready to begin my holiday baking, I am in the planning stages. Trying to decide which old stand-by classics will make the cut or what new treats I'll attempt this year. One thing the Internet is far from lacking is plentiful inspiration in this department. Everywhere I look it's edible gifts galore. And I'm not complaining because not only do I really enjoy baking but I really cherish any kind of homemade gift {even the non-edible varieties}. In my opinion there's not much that shows you love someone more than taking the time to make them something.
The photo above is a box of my homemade cookies, wrapped up and ready to deliver from a few years back. A recipe for every single cookie in that box is available here on The Parsley Thief...there's a link to all of them in the side column to the right {scroll down the page to find the "Holiday Cookies & Treats" section}. You can also go to the "Cookies & Bars" section of the Recipe Index, or check out this "Holiday Baking Round Up" I did last year.
Now for some wonderful looking sweet treats from around the Web that just might make the box this year...

Pignoli cookies are probably my most favorite cookie ever - but I've never tried making them myself. If you've yet to try one of these chewy, almond-pine nut delights you most definitely should. This recipe from Shockingly Delicious is a top priority for me this season.

Growing up in an Italian family, Panettone was an ever present holiday staple. Yet I have to say - as a kid I was terrified to try it. It wasn't until I was an adult that I finally developed a taste for it. This recipe for Guava Marmalade Panettone from Lulu's Sweet Secrets sounds amazing.

I try to have a few kid-friendly and some "kid-made" treats in the cookie box every year...not every cookie can be super sophisticated, right? I know my boys would have a blast making gingerbread people and these super cute ones from The Little Epicurean are very inspiring.

I love cookies that also double as decorations...either as ornaments, or a pretty touch added to a wrapped gift. Such is the case with these Lemon & Almond Cookie Wreaths from Cook Republic. The food styling in the post is gorgeous as well!

I'm immediately drawn to anything with the word brown butter in the title. Especially these Brown Butter Brown Sugar Cookies...because that second ingredient makes it doubly delicious sounding - from The Novice Chef.

This next link isn't exactly a cookie but a cracker...that's sweet enough to be pretty darn close. These Cinnamon & Sugar Crackers from A Cozy Kitchen are as cute as can be. I've always wanted to try making my own crackers and I think my guys would love being little helpers in the process.

How unbelievable does this Chocolate Bark look?? I love that it has assorted flavors and textures in the toppings - so if you give it as a gift the recipient can have a little bit of everything. As usual, You Are My Fave also has great DIY packaging!

Many months ago, a friend of mine made these macaroons and was kind enough to bring a couple to our kid's hockey practice to share with me. They were so delicious and I've been dreaming of them ever since. I'm hoping these French Macaroons with Raspberry-Rose Buttercream from Bon Appétit will be making an appearance here soon!